    Help for Playing (PLAY.HLP)  Zchess Version 1.5

    Zchess Help For Playing Games
    -----------------------------
    The Play and the View screens are similar in appearance.  However
    there are specific functions for each of these which are very
    different.

    Moving pieces
    -------------
    You can move pieces by typing the move in computer-algebraic notation.
    This is not case-sensitive, as the door will convert all letters to
    upper case.  Each rank (row) is numbered 1-8, starting from the white
    side of the board.  Each file (column) is lettered A-H, with the A file
    being on the far left of white's queen.  To move a piece, type the file
    and rank of the square occupied by the piece you wish to move followed
    by the file and rank of the destination for that piece.  For example,
    to move Whites queen pawn up two squares at the start of the game
    press the following five keys:  d2d4<Enter>.  Zchess will convert
    your move to upper case, punctuating the move with either a dash
    for a move, or an 'x' for a capture.  If the move results in check,
    a '+' is added to the end of the move.  After Zchess checks the move
    for validity, it is copied to the four line display of recent moves,
    and the game status under the names is updated.

    Optionally, you may wish to use cursor keys to move the pieces, rather
    than risk a typo.  Zchess will interpret true cursor keys, if you are
    playing in "doorway" mode, and will also interpret the number keypad
    as cursor movement.  Since numbers are to be used for both manual entry
    as well as cursor movements, the following convention has been adopted:

    1.  Numbers pressed before the letter are interpreted as cursor
    control.

    2.  Number pressed after a letter are interpreted as the rank number.

    After moving to the origination or destination square, press Enter to
    have Zchess convert the location to the algebraic code as described
    above.

    The third option for moving a piece for RIP users is with the mouse.
    Cursor to the origination square and click, then cursor to the
    destination square and click.

    You may delete any part of the move with the backspace key.

    Once you have moved, an option to take back that move is available
    for Open subs.  This will allow you to correct typos.


    Leaving The Game
    ----------------
    You can press 'Q' to Quit the game and return to the main menu.

    Press 'X' to quit the game and return to the BBS.

    Press 'N' to view the Next game for which you have a move (if you
    didn't specify a specific game number when you selected Play).  'N'
    will return to the main menu if there are no more games.


    Entering a Message To Your Opponent
    ------------------------------------
    You can enter a short Message to your opponent by pressing 'M'.
    Zchess displays your message entry on the bottom three lines (line
    21, 22 and 23).  In "doorway" mode, you can use the cursor keys
    the Insert, Delete and Backspace keys to assist with editing your
    message.  You can press Esc during message entry to get the [S]ave
    [A]bort [C]ontinue prompt.  You must Save the message with 'S' or it
    won't be sent.  For networked games, you should make a move, then
    enter a message.  Messages will not be sent, and may be deleted by
    the network program if you don't make a new move.  Also, if network
    package containing your message isn't received and processed by the
    other BBS, your message might not be received either.  Important
    communications to your opponent should be made in the regular message
    subs which has a better chance for success.


    Ending a Game
    -------------
    Games are ended by a determination by Zchess that checkmate, stalemate,
    50 moves without a capture or pawn move or move repetition has occurred.
    Also, either player can offer or accept a draW ('W') or reSign
    ('S').  Draw offers should be proper (make the offer before your
    move, and then make a move.) Draws must be accepted before a move is
    made by the other player or the offer is withdrawn.  As soon as the
    game has ended, the status is changed to Completed, and the ratings
    and histories are updated.  The maintenance program will forfeit
    games for which a move has not been made for the minimum time set by
    your sysop.  Also, a game can be killed by either player, with no
    change in ratings before black makes his first move.  If no moves are
    made for a period of thirty days, the game may be killed by either
    player.  Killed games do not affect the ratings, so it might be in
    your favor to wait for the sysop to run the maintenance program.  The
    ended games can be viewed by anyone for a few days, as determined by
    the Longest Period Without a Move setting configured by the sysop.

